Replica Musk Ox Skull

The Musk Ox, named for the musky odor emitted by the males of this species, once ranged over much of Asia and North America. Now this prehistoric left-over mainly inhabits regions of the arctic within Canada and Greenland. Historically, and before being hunted to extirpation, Alaska also supported populations of Musk Ox. Although a member of the Bovidae family, the Musk Ox is not a true "ox" but are more closely related to sheep. This gregarious (herd-dwelling) species grazes on grasses, reeds, sedges, and other arctic ground plants. Musk Ox, when threatened, will form a circle around the herd's young. With their stocky build and massive horns as a primary ring of defense, there are few predators capable of preying on this species.